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Vice-Chancellor underlines opposition to minimum ATAR limits

25 July 2013

Vice-Chancellor Dr Michael Spence has reiterated that the University of Sydney has no plans to follow the University of NSW and set a minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) across the board at this time.

UNSW last week announced it planned to set a minimum ATAR of 80 from next year to limit enrolments.

"Virtually all ATAR cut-offs at the University of Sydney are higher than those being discussed," Dr Spence said.

"We have not significantly expanded student numbers under the current demand-driven system. There has consequently been no reduction in the quality of our students.

"The University of Sydney is deeply committed to ensuring that the most promising students, whatever their social or cultural background, can thrive and realise their full potential, and focusing only on their ATAR attainment may not be the best way to encourage this.

"We also believe that providing a quality student experience for all students, including those from less-privileged backgrounds, helps to ensure their success at University."